The delegation, representing the diverse conglomerate Salim Group, and a giant property developer, Chiputra Group, met the state chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.
In an interactive session with members of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Henry Halim of Salim Group clarified that while projects township were known territories, the group would have to study the prospects in the sectors mooted by the chief minister.
The delegates said that a hypermarket chain appeared to be a good business proposition as the population was growing and disposable income was also rising.
Responding to queries from the audience, delegates said that they were willing to explore opportunities in the power sector as well.
Sanjay Budhia, chairman of CII eastern region, said that the World Bank in a recently published report has stated that West Bengal was one of the two states in India with the strongest focus on growth.
The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reported that West Bengal was among the top five states in the country in terms of industrial development.
Budhia also pointed out, West Bengal was a more competitive location for investment because of the cost advantage it enjoyed.
Real estate prices were significantly lower than Delhi or Mumbai and the consumer price index in Kolkata was the lowest among the metros.
